Smoosh fends off sophomore slump
Smoosh, “Free To Stay” (Barsuk)
The young Seattle-based sister duo Smoosh continues to impress with their latest release, “Free To Stay.”
It’s no longer just two pleasantly amusing kid sisters pulling together a few songs with thoughtful lyrics and nice hooks. Now they’re consistently good.
Check out lead singer and keyboardist Asya getting all cold and emo on “Slower Than Gold.” Her voice glistens over the slow, solo keyboard strolls as she sings, “I look out my window, a see-through waterfall/ It seems as if I could walk off the edge.”
Most of the songs meld her deft touch nicely with Chloe’s rapidly improving drumming. Liking Smoosh’s music is one part pure enjoyment, another part care and feeding as their newness to recorded music still plays a role in their overall sound.
Yes, you’ll recognize right away that neither is a seasoned session musician. But you’ll be thankful for same with their honest melodies that come without the baggage of the oft-cruel music business. At last check, Asya and Chloe were 14 and 12 respectively, so a childlike quality to their sound is to be expected.
But a certain maturity peeks through on tracks such as “Find A Way,” with its great off-kilter pacing and lyrics about keeping your head in check to overcome adversity that almost certainly have to do with coming of age.
Smoosh, and the band’s music, is coming of age quite well.
(AP)
